Handling characteristics of skoda octavia 2006 140 tdi pd

Having owned the `old’ Mk 1 TDI Octavia I was looking forward to driving this little monster.

Yes the engine and gearbox are slick, and it pulls extremely well, however the handling ( in my opinion) does not match its power, or is it the particular example I have bought ?

The car seems to `wander’ on A and B roads, overtaking can become hazardous, as the car seems to find every bump, grove, line and follow it, causing the car to lurch, slip and veer this way and that when overtaking. With the boot loaded and only the driver present it can pitch from front to rear.

Anyone else found this, its NOT as predictable a drive as my old Octy.

Tyre pressures OK at 32, only 67K on the clock, recent MOT.

Either tyre or suspension concern.

Pitch front to rear - I would be looking at dampers. Also have a geometry check done.

6 years of Suspension wear I'm afraid!

Mine isn't as bad as that but it's wandering a bit, especially between 50 and 60 at the moment.

And that's after both front wishbone bushes, a rear wheel bearing, and four wheel alignment. Into the garage in a week for more investigations.......

It's not meant to be like that!

Niall

Hughp, Andyvee, Niall thanks for you early replies,

I just wonder if they could have changed the suspension, bearing line up, or geometry that much from my old 2000 octavia ?

Or is it the extra power thats making it worse / more obvious ?

I've got the estate 2.0 tdi 140 and have not had any of the problems that you describe. Mines a 2005 with 73,000 on the clock (I've had it over 5 years). I'd be looking at the suggestions in the above replies, also what tyres are you on ? I use Uniroyal Rainsports and they are excellent, fantastic grip, quiet and got them for £60 a corner fitted etc.

Hughp, Andyvee, Niall thanks for you early replies,

I just wonder if they could have changed the suspension, bearing line up, or geometry that much from my old 2000 octavia ?

Or is it the extra power thats making it worse / more obvious ?

Nope, it sounds like you have something wrong with yours.

Mine still drove well on springs, dampers and bushes that had done 150k miles in 7 years. No pitching and a Hunter geometry check makes them drive very well.

Nope, it sounds like you have something wrong with yours.

Mine still drove well on springs, dampers and bushes that had done 150k miles in 7 years. No pitching and a Hunter geometry check makes them drive very well.

Just my luck

Might be something simple, get it checked out.

Well just got the car back, two new rear tie bars and an OSR rear roll bar drop link and all is back to normal!

Phew. Just a shame that half way home one of the rear disc guards has come away. (One I have already replaced once in the cars life) Time to get the Tin Snips out and live without, they only trap stones anyway.

Niall

freesaxon - whereabouts are you? Might be someone useful near you for a second opinion.

But as said, I'd get the geometry checked, properly, using good equipment - see www.alignmycar.co.uk for some nearby suggestions.

Maybe get it up on some ramps first, to have a check for an excessive suspension component wear. At 67k, depending on usage, dampers and bushes may well be getting a little tired.

I'd check in this order:

1. Tyre condition and pressure.

2. Wheel alignment.

3. Spring and shock condition.